Collapsible ironing table



Dec. 14, 1 954 A. 1.. HARTMAN COLLAPSIBLE IRONING TABLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 9, 1952 INVENTOR. flbraha m Lincoln Hari'man Dec. 14, 1954 A. 1.. HARTMAN 2,696,686

COLLAPSIBLE IRONING TABLE Filed Sept. 9, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. l9) HbmhamLincolnHarlman United States Patent Ofiice 2,696,636 Patented Dec. 14, 1954 COLLAPSIBLE IRONING TABLE Abraham Lincoln Hartman, Maupin, Oreg.

Application September 9, 1952, Serial No. 308,667

6 Claims. '(Cl. 38-119) My invention pertains to ironing tables, and relates particularly to a novel construction by which the several parts of an ironing table may be collapsed into compact form from which arrangement it may be unfolded to erected position in one operation.

A principal object of my invention is to provide a collapsible ironing table in which the several parts are interconnected in such manner as to effect the erection of said table by simply lifting the structure and permitting the parts thereof to fall into place by force of gravity, plus a slight lateral movement.

Another object is to provide a collapsible ironing table in which the supporting legs thereof are constructed and arranged in such manner as to converge and to lie within the peripheral outline of the top member when in folded condition and to diverge downwardly in erected position to provide a stable support. I

A further object is to provide a collapsible ironing table means by which the several parts are semiautomatically locked in supporting position.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ironing table embodying the features of my invention, showing the parts in unfolded or erected position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the ironing table illustrated in Fig. 1 showing the parts in the position they assume when the table is erect;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the bottom side of the ironing table illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, showing the structure in fully collapsed or folded position;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal section taken on the line 44 in Fig. 3, showing the associated parts in the position they assume immediately before they are shifted and locked; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the associated parts arranged erected as in Fig. 2.

The collapsible supporting structure of an ironing table embodying my invention is pivotally secured to the under side of the top member or board 1. The top member is usually made of wood, but may be made of metal, composition, plastic, or any desired material. It is of conventional design, having a pointed forward end or toe 1b and a squared rearward end or heel In. An obliquely bent shaft 2 is arranged transversely of the rearward end 1a of the board and is supported upon the under side of the latter upon spaced bearing brackets 3. That is, the shaft extends across the major portion of the width of the top member and is bent at the middle, sloping obliquely forward at the ends toward the toe portion 1b, the bend line being substantially at the longitudinal center line of said top member. Thus, the portions of the shaft extending outwardly from the longitudinal center line of the top subtend angles with respect to said center line less than ninety degrees. The bearing brackets 3 shown in the drawings are secured to the under surface of the top member or board by screws or other fastening devices. It may be preferred that said shaft member be made in plural pieces, that is, short stubs in place of a single bent shaft, as has heretofore been described. In either case, the shaft is mounted in said brackets in such a manner as to permit relative pivotal action but to prevent longitudinal displacement of the shaft.

The top member 1 of the ironing table is supported at a convenient height above the floor upon the rear upright legs 4 and 5 and a diagonally disposed crutchtype leg 6. The crutch-type leg is constructed of two frame members which are joined together at their converging forward ends by some means such as a dowel pin 7. The rearward ends of the crutch-type leg 6 carry metal plates 8, having .holes formed therein, and said holes engage the ends, respectively, of the shaft 2 to provide a good bearing surface. This latter is particularly desirable when the legs are made of wood, since continued use of said table, in collapsing and extending it, causes wear and said holes thus progressively become larger. It is desirable that all of the parts be securely fitted so the structure will be rigid in use, because it must Withstand substantial pressure and movement during an ironing operation. Similar metal plates may be provided on the upper ends of the legs 4 and 5, respectively, to withstand wear. k

As is shown in the drawings, 'said legs 4 and 5 diverge slightly from their pivot points toward their lower ends when they are erect, and thus provide a firm support for the ironing table. In folded position, however, the legs converge from their pivot points, as is shown in Fig. 3, and are arranged substantially parallel to the sides of the crutch-type leg 6. This inward movement of the upright legs 4 and 5 is produced by the angularity of the portions of the shaft 2. Thus, as the legs move from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 3, they swing about axes obliquely disposed with regard to the longitudinal center line and the free ends move toward each other. This is permitted because the legs 4 and 5 are joined by a pair of looped braces 9, one on each of the legs 4 and 5. When the legs are erect, said loops engage, as is shown in Fig. 1, and prevent further divergence of said legs. When they are folded to the position shown in Fig. 3, said loops are spread, as is shown inFig. 3, to permit them to move inwardly, as has been described.

Braces 10 extend diagonally from the pivot ends of the legs 4 and 5 to a point adjacent the longitudinal center line of the top member or board and are pivotally joined therewith by the shaft 2. These stiffen and hold said legs and cause them to swing about a fixed path. Said braces thus stabilize said upright legs 4 and 5 and cause the collapsible supporting structure to be braced against lateral sway. Extending downwardly from said braces 10 and joining each of the upright legs 4 and 5, and lying within the looped braces 9, are guide rods 11'11a. The upper end of each of said guide rods is free and unsupported as shown in Fig. 3 and the lower end of each is joined and held by a clip 12 to one of said legs, 4 or 5.

Extending across the crutch-type leg 6 at a point intermediate the ends thereof is an angle bracket 13 spanning the distance between the members making up said crutch-type leg. A pair of tension members 14-15 join the rear leg structure, comprising the upright legs 4 and 5, and the crutch-type leg 6. Said tension members 14 and 15 are complementary to each other and each terminates, respectively, at the rearward end thereof in a looped eye I ia-15a which encircles the related guide rods 11-11a. The forward end of each of said tension members terminates in a U-shaped bend 14b1'5b,, which pierces and extends through the depending leg 13a of the angle bracket 13, as is shown most clearly in Fig. 1. Thus, when the parts are arranged in collapsed position, said eyes 14al5a' ride up their respective guide rods 11-11:: and lie closely adjacent the braces 10. When they are arranged in supporting position, they move downwardly to a point adjacent the clips 12 which join the guide rods 1111a to their respective legs 4,-5. Immediately adjacent said U-shaped bent ends of the tension members 1415, respectively, is an abrupt perpendicular bend 14c15c. Said bend is vertically upward, as is shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and this bend has particular importance in connection with the locking mechanism for holding the ironing table erect.

A pivoted prop member 16 is hingedly secured to the under side of the top member or board 1 by a bracket 17. Said bracket is arranged somewhere nearthe longitudinal middle of the ironing board. Said prop comprises a loop preferably formed of bent wire or rod, the ends of which are lodged within said bracket 17. Said prop is elongated and one end thereof is pivotally supported in the bracket, as has been described. The other end terminates in a pair of looped eyes 16a, each eye encircling the tension member 14-15, respectively. Said eye portions are arranged adjacent a transverse portion 16b, which prevents said eye 16a from spreading. Said eyes are each looped and form an annulus having a diameter larger than the offset abrupt bend 140-150, respectively, in the tension members 14-15. Thus, when the table is held above the floor and the legs are permitted to drop into position, they will assume the position shown in Fig. 4, with said eyes resting against the abrupt bends 14c15c, respectively. Then, if the top member or board is pulled by grasping the toe portion 1b thereof and with the weight of said ironing table supported by the upright legs 4 and 5, said loops will pass over the abrupt bends 14c15c and will lie within the U-shaped bent ends 14b--15b of said tension members 14-45, respectively, as is shown in Fig. 5. When the parts are thus arranged, the ironing board is prevented from collapsing as long as it remains upon the floor. It also is quite rigid and laterally and longitudinally stable, and provides a firm foundation for the ironing board.

When the table is to be collapsed, the top member or board is lifted to cause the eyes to ride up the abrupt bends 14c15c, respectively. If the board is held at the toe end 1b and the board is supported by the up-,

right legs 4-5 and the board is pushed slightly toward the right, as viewed in the drawings, said eyes 16a will ride over the abrupt bends 14c15c, respectively, and the parts may be then folded to the position shown in Fi 3.

Said ironing table thus constructed is light in weight and securely braced. It may be conveniently stowed in an out-of-the-way closet or location, because it folds into a package of small compass. The parts preferably are formed of wooden members joined by members made of bend rod or wire, because this produces a sturdy, economical structure. It is capable, however, of being made of structural metallic or plastic members, or extruded or cast sections. Economy in manufacture, however, dictates the form in which it is illustrated and described.

I claim:

1. A collapsible ironing table comprising an elongated top member, a pair of supporting rear legs, a diagonally disposed crutch-type leg, said pair of rear legs and said crutch type leg being joined at their upper ends, respectively, to the under side of said top member by a pivotal support arranged adjacent one end of said top member, said crutch-type leg extending longitudinally beneath said top member to a point generally below the other end of said top member, a prop member pivotally joined to the under side of the top member adjacent the longitudinal middle of the latter, the lower end of said prop member having two laterally spaced eyes formed therein, a pair of tension members each secured at a forward end to said crutch-type leg, elongated guide members one joined to each of said supporting rear legs, the rearward end of each of said tension members terminating in an eye encircling a guide member, an offset bend in each of said tension members arranged adjacent the point of joinder thereof with said crutch-type leg, and the eyes at the lower end of said prop member encircling said tension members, respectively, said eyes being of such width as to lodge between said offset bends and the forward secured ends of said tension members.

2. A collapsible ironing table comprising an elongated top member, a pair of supporting rear legs, a diagonally disposed crutch-type leg, said pair of rear legs and said crutch-type leg being joined at their upper ends, respectively, to the under side of said top member by a pivotal support arranged adjacent one end of said top member, said crutch-type leg extending longitudinally beneath said top member to a point generally below the other end of said top member, a prop member pivotally joined to the under side of the top member adjacent the longitudinal middle of the latter, the lower end of said prop member having two laterally spaced eyes formed therein, a pair of tension members each secured at a forward end to said crutch-type leg, elongated guide members one joined to each of said supporting rear legs, the rearward end of each of said tension members terminating in an eye encircling a guide member, an offset bend in each of said thereof with said crutch-type leg, the eyes at the lowerend of said prop member encircling said tension members, respectively, and being of such diameter as to pass said offset bends in said tension member and of such width as to lodge between said ofiset bends and the forward secured ends of said tension members.

3. A collapsible ironing table comprising an elongated top member, a pair of supporting rear legs, a diagonally disposed crutch-type leg, said pair of rear legs and said crutch-type leg being joined at their upper ends, respectively, to the under side of said top member by a pivotal support means, said pivotal support means including two nonparallel shaft sections disposed obliquely to both the longitudinal and the lateral axes of said elongated top member to define separate pivot axes for each of said rear legs arranged adjacent one end of said top member, said crutch-type leg extending longitudinally beneath said top member to a point generally below the other end of said top member, a prop member pivotally joined to the under side of the top member adjacent the longitudinal middle of the latter, the lower end of said prop member having two laterally spaced eyes formed therein, a pair of tension members each secured at a forward end to said crutch-type leg, elongated guide members one joined to each of said supporting rear legs, the rearward end of each tension member slidably engaging a guide mernengaged from each other when said rear legs are fully retracted, whereby said rear legs can pivot about obliquelydisposed pivot axes to diverge when extended and converge when retracted.

4. A collapsible ironing table comprising an elongated top member, a pair of supporting rear legs, a diagonally disposed crutch-type leg, said pair of rear legs and said crutch-type leg being joined at their upper ends, respec tively, to the under side of said top member by a pivotal support means, said pivotal support means including two nonparallel shaft sections disposed obliquely to both the longitudinal and the lateral axes of said elongated top member to define separate pivot axes for each of said rear legs arranged adjacent one end of said top memher, said crutch-type leg extending longitudinally beneath said top member at a point generally below the other end of said top member, a prop member pivotally joined to the under side of the top member adjacent the longitudinal middle of the latter, the lower end of said prop member having two laterally spaced eyes formed therein, a pair of tension members each secured at a forward end to said crutch-type leg, elongated guide members one joined to each of said supporting rear legs, the rearward end of each tension member slidably engaging a guide member, the eyes at the lower end of said prop member encircling said tension members, respectively, looped braces carried between said supporting rear legs, engaging each other when said legs are fully extended and disengaged from each other when said rear legs are fully retracted, whereby said rear legs can pivot about obliquely disposed pivot axes to diverge when extended crutch-type leg being joined at their upper ends, respec-.

tively, to the under side of said top member by a pivotal support arranged adjacent one end of said top member, said crutch-type leg extending longitudinally beneath said top member to a point generally below the other end of said top member, a prop member pivotally joined to the under side of the top member adjacent the longitudinal middle of the latter, the lower end of said prop member having two laterally spaced eyes formed therein, a pair of tension members each secured at a forward end to said crutch-type leg, elongated guide members one joined to each of said supporting rear legs, the rearward end of each of said tension members terminating in an eye encircling a guide member, an offset bend in each of said tension members arranged adjacent the point of joinder bers, respectively, and being of such diameter as to pass said offset bends in said tension members and of such width as to lodge between said offset bends andthe forward secured ends of said tension members, and an angle bracket extending transversely of said crutch-type leg joining the forward ends of said tension members, respectively, to said crutch-type leg.

6. A collapsible ironing table comprising an elongated top member, a pair of supporting rear legs, a diagonally disposed crutch-type leg, said pair of rear legs and said crutch-type leg being joined at their upper ends, respectively, to the under side of said top member by "a pivotal support arranged adjacent one end of said top member, said crutch-type leg extending longitudinally beneath said top member to a point generally below the other end of said top member, a prop member p-ivotally joined to the under side of the top member adjacent the longitudinal middle of the latter, the lower end of said prop member having two laterally spaced eyes formed therein, a pair of tension members each secured at a forward end to said crutch-type leg, elongated guide members one joined to each of said supporting rear legs, the rearward end of each of said tension members terminating in an eye encircling a guide member, an offset bend in each of said tension members arranged adjacent the point of joinder thereof with said crutch-type leg, the eyes at the lower end of said prop member encircling said tension members, respectively, and being of such diameter as to pass said offset bends in said tension members and of such width as to lodge between said otfset bends and the forward secured ends of said tension members, and an angle bracket extending transversely of said crutchtype leg joining the forward ends of said tension members, respectively, to said crutch-type leg, said angle bracket being spaced from the offset bends, respectively, in said tension members, and defining with said bends a pocket for retaining the eyes on the lower end of said prop member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,738,886 Gilbert Dec. 10, 1929 1,982,399 Reitze Nov. 27, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 450,480 Italy July 21, 1949 

